Every year I await the one week out of the summer where I genuinely, whole-heartedly feel happy. It easily ties with being the most tiring week of the summer but for the joy I feel from camp, lack of sleep is worth sacrificing.
Camp Hope is a five-day recreational and residential camp for teenagers and young adults who are challenged by developmental disabilities. I feel beyond blessed that I am a part of one of the only residential summer camps that offers one-on-one care for every camper. I have never in my life experienced such acts of selflessness than the ones I see at camp. It takes a unique person to be able to give of himself or herself completely to another person and I am so lucky to be connected to an organization like that. Throughout my three years at Camp Hope, I have encountered many wonderful individuals and words to describe them are unimaginable. There are many lessons I have learned by being a buddy and through this open letter to my camper, I hope to express a few.
Dear Camper,
Each year I apply to be a buddy because there is simply no greater feeling then the one I feel at camp with you and every other camper. Every individual that is apart of Camp Hope is of a special kind, you being one of the most special.
This past week you have taught me more about myself than anything I could have learned in the past 19 years. You taught me to be patient beyond any challenge or hardship because life is too precious to be frustrated. You demonstrated how beautiful life could be if you just let go -- let go of self-doubt, let go of worries, and simply, let go of any negativity. You are a beautiful individual beyond words and carry such positivity that I wish I was brave enough to carry.
No matter what challenge you face every day, you do it without hesitation of what the challenge holds. You face things head on and for that, I admire you. The love and passion you feel for others around you is one I hope to someday achieve. Some individuals with developmental disabilities are not as lucky as some others. Some cannot advocate for themselves, but you, you advocate for them just as well as anyone else through your brave and giving soul. Every person wants love, acceptance and respect and everyone deserves to have that. Because of you, I have found a higher purpose in life. Because of you, I don’t feel a void in my life. You and the campers of Camp Hope have given me a new look on life.
Thank you for setting such a bold example of why I do camp and why it continues to be the happiest place on earth. Thank you for teaching me to be myself no matter what anyone says. Thank you for making me laugh more than I ever have. Laughter is such a simple thing that you made so enjoyable. We are who we are for a reason and being that is enough. You are enough. You have so much potential and I know you will do great things beyond any measure.
You are a friend I know I will have for a lifetime, thank you for filling my life with love, joy and purpose, everyday.
Sincerely,
Your Buddy
